CHRIS Fagan has launched an impassioned plea for funding from the Queensland Government, saying the Lions need a new facility to keep up with the rest of the AFL.
Brisbane is seeking $30 million ($15 million from the State Government that would be matched by the Federal Government) to complete a new training and administration base and boutique stadium in Brisbane's west.
AFL chief Gillon McLachlan is paying a personal visit to the State Government on Tuesday afternoon with Lions CEO Greg Swann to make another pitch.
"I believe the clubs up here have the right to compete and have the same facilities all the clubs enjoy in the other states," Fagan said.
"We're not asking for something better than everyone else, we're just asking for the same.
"If the government is really interested in the code of football and growing the game for men and women, they'll get behind us and grant us that wish."
Aside from a new home for the men to train at, the Lions' women's team would have a place they could call home.
They currently train and play in two – or sometimes three – different venues.
"We go well with what we've got, but there's no doubt to have a state-of-the-art facility we'd be masters of our own destiny," Fagan said.
"We had the situation last year where we didn't have a venue for the girls' Grand Final and that would have been fantastic.
"And a facility that will cater for both (men and women)? The Gabba was built a long time ago and there wasn't women's football at the time."
Lions captain Dayne Beams said his team did a "great job with what we've got".
"Things like facilities can be a marginal thing in terms of how much you get out of them but, for us, I believe it would help us go to the next level as a club."